Unveiled earlier in September 2016, the brand-new Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid just made its official public debut at the Paris Motor Show. Based on the redesigned, second generation Panamera, Porsche's new hybrid arrived in France with several new features, state-of-the-art technology, and a more powerful drivetrain.
Having already seen the standard Panamera earlier in 2016, the hybrid's exterior design wasn't a mystery, but the sedan has plenty of other features to brag out. It's most important highlight is the new hybrid drivetrain that combines a twin-turbo, 2.9-liter V-6 gasoline engine, an electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery. The combo cranks out 462 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, a 52-horsepower and 81-pound-foot increase over the previous model. Thanks to the extra power, the Panamera E-Hybrid is also more than a half-second quicker from 0 to 60 mph, needing only 4.4 seconds to hit the benchmark, while top speed increased from 168 to 172 mph.
The new drivetrain also makes the Panamera E-Hybrid a better part-time electric car. The sedan can cover 30 miles on electricity alone, while reaching a top speed of 86 mph (up from 20 miles and 84 mph, respectively). The sedan also benefits from a new hybrid module with shorter response times and a larger battery with shorter charging times.
More goodies can be found inside the cabin. First up, the analog rev counter is flanked by two seven-inch screens with bespoke power meters for hybrid operation. The new display function is similar to that used in the Porsche 918 Spyder supercar and provides data such as the amount of electrical energy being used, as well as the amount recovered through the sedan’s regeneration systems. The 12.3-inch touchscreen in the center dashboard also provides access to various items of hybrid-specific information. For instance, there’s a boost assistant that shows the energy available for boosting and a hybrid assistant that emits various visual signals for regulating the electrical drive power.
Look for the new Panamera 4 E-Hybrid in dealerships starting 2017.
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Why it matters
Although I'm not a big fan of four-door Porsche cars, I must admit that the new Panamera is gorgeous to look at thanks to its 911-inspired design. The drivetrain is also a big step forward and makes the E-Hybrid one of the most advanced luxury sedan on the market. With improvements in just about any department, the Panamera S E-Hybrid is perfect choice if you’re in the market for a high-performance, luxury hybrid.
Read our full review on the Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid here.